Contrary to the popular belief, buying a plot is almost always a good but widely overlooked investment option. So, if you are looking for a long-term investment opportunity, it might be a good idea to buy plots in Islamabad.

Of course, houses and flats can get you immediate returns if you decide to rent them out while a plot just sits there. However, unlike residential units, the value of land doesn’t depreciate over time due to old construction or regular wear and tear. In fact, their resale rates are always on an upward curve. It is also easier to look after a vacant plot than it is to maintain a house or deal with tenants.

First of all, the meticulously planned federal capital is an ideal place to live in terms of quality of life, education and health care. So, if you are planning to build a house, buying plots in Islamabad can be a good investment. Secondly, due to the increase in its population, a number of commercial and housing projects have surfaced across the federal capital, offering people a brilliant opportunity to invest in the fast-growing city.

Moreover, buying plots in Islamabad is also a popular option among expats who plan to eventually return to their homeland.

Needless to say, such decisions should not be made on impulse alone. Instead, potential investors and future homeowners need to analyze a number of different factors, including an area’s popularity and the varying prices.

If you want to buy a plot in Islamabad, here is a detailed analysis of the top five areas in the city along with their respective buying trends.

1. DHA Defence

The price range of residential plots in DHA Defence Islamabad

The fact the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Islamabad managed to remain on top of the list with 17.4% of total searches doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Considered a prime and secure location offering modern amenities, this area is ideal for those who want to buy plots in Islamabad.

Among the top-searched phases within Defence Islamabad, Phase 2 and DHA Valley scored the first and second position on the popularity index with an almost negligible difference of 0.2%. Defence Phase 5 appeared to be the third most sought after locality.

The prices of 5 marla plots in DHA Islamabad vary between PKR 6.5 lakh and PKR 85 lakh depending on the project and location. The buying trend of 10 marla plots in the area starts from PKR 33.5 lakh and can go up to PKR 1.6 crore while you can purchase 1 kanal plots within the range of PKR 23.5 lakh and PKR 4.5 crore.

Please note the prices of 1 kanal plots in DHA Valley and Phase 2 Ext. are relatively low due to slow development amid litigation issues.

2. Gulberg

The price range of residential plots in Gulberg Islamabad

With a total of 11% searches, Gulberg Islamabad was the second most popular area to buy plots in Islamabad in the month of January. A project of Intelligence Bureau Employee’s Cooperative Housing Society (IBECHS), this area has also been continuously topping the popularity index.

With 76.1% and 23.5% of total searches, Gulberg Residencia and Gulberg Greens appeared to be the top two projects to buy plots within the area.

Buying a 5 marla plot in Gulberg can cost you anywhere between PKR 15 lakh and PKR 45 lakh while the price of 10 marla residential plots ranges from PKR 30 lakh to PKR 98 lakh. Similarly, the buying trend of 1 kanal plots in the area starts from PKR 37 lakh and can go up to PKR 1.7 crore.

Gulberg Islamabad also offers 2 kanal plots for sale. However, their prices can be a little steep as they vary between PKR 71 lakh and PKR 2 crore.

3. Sector B-17

The price range of residential plots in Sector B-17 Islamabad

Sector B-17 secured the third position on Zameen.com’s popularity index for top areas to buy plots in Islamabad with 6.6% searches. It is important to note most housing projects in this sector are currently being developed. Launched by the Multi Professionals Co-operative Housing Society (MPCHS), this area has consecutively ranked third on the list for the past three months.

If you are looking for low-cost plots in Islamabad, this might be a good area to start your search. A 5 marla plot in this area costs around PKR 9.5 lakh to PKR 45 lakh whereas the price of 10 marla plots ranges between PKR 20 lakh to PKR 1.2 crore. Meanwhile, the price of 1 kanal plots in B-17 ranges from PKR 32 lakh to PKR 2.2 crore, depending on the project.

4. Bahria Town

The price range of residential plots in Bahria Town Islamabad

Bahria Town, one of the most prominent and reputable housing and commercial projects in the twin cities, was the fourth most sought after area to buy plots in Islamabad with 5.2% of total searches. This was a small increase from 4.7% searches in the previous month. Of all the projects within the area, Bahria Enclave appeared to be most popular with 93.9% search results while Bahria Garden City and Bahria Golf City ranked second and third with 3.8% and 2.3% search result.

For those looking to invest in real estate in Islamabad, the sale prices of plots Bahria Town Islamabad vary depending on different sectors. For instance, 5 marla plots in the area will cost between PKR 22 lakh and PKR 70 lakh while the price of 10 marla plots ranges from PKR 30 lakh to PKR 1.4 crore. The price range of 1 kanal plots is PKR 82 lakh and PKR 2.5 crore. Similarly, you can purchase 2 kanal plots for as low as PKR 3 crore.

5. Sector D-12

The price range of residential plots in Sector D-12 Islamabad

Located at a short distance from Islamabad International Airport, Sector D-12 secured the fifth position on the list of most searched areas for buying plots in Islamabad with a total of 2.5% searches on Zameen.com. Moreover, D-12/1, D-12/4, D-12/3 and D-12/2 were the most sought-after areas in that order.

The sales prices of residential plots in this area are relatively steep. You can buy a 5 marla plot in D-12 within the price range of PKR 1 crore to PKR 1.8 crore while a 10 marla plot costs between PKR 1.9 crore and PKR 2.7 crore. Meanwhile, the price of 1 kanal plots ranges from PKR 2.3 crore to PKR 5.2 crore.

If you have suggestions or thoughts about where to buy property in Islamabad, please share them in the comments section below.